DISCLAIMER
Information disseminated by Autism South Africa is for information purposes only.
The onus rests with the reader to explore and investigate the relevant information and alternatives for each individual.
Information disseminated by Autism South Africa is for information purposes only.
The onus rests with the reader to explore and investigate the relevant information and alternatives for each individual.
Information sent out does not imply that Autism South Africa underwrites or endorses any particular therapy, intervention, method or medication. Autism South Africa assumes no responsibility for the use made of any information provided herein.
INTRODUCTION TO APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS
by Barry K. Morris B.ScWk
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a process of studying and modifying behavior. It has been rigorously tested and is effective for many individuals with Autism and other developmental disorders. It changes the environment and monitors changed responses from the person, to result in changed behavior or learning of life skills.
Definitions of Applied Behavior Analysis vary considerably. In one example, Applied Behavior Analysis is:
“...the design, implementation, and evaluation of environmental modifications to produce socially significant improvement in human behavior. Applied Behavior Analysis includes the use of direct observation, measurement, and functional analysis of the relations between environment and behavior. Applied Behavior Analysis uses antecedent stimuli and consequences, based on the findings of descriptive and functional analysis, to produce practical change.” This definition places emphasis on socially significant changes, but Applied Behavior Analysis can be used to alter virtually any behavior irrespective of its social relevance.
THE ABC MODEL: THE BASIS OF APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS
The first step in Applied Behavior Analysis is to analyze the behavior. This is done using the ABC model:
A - Antecedent
A directive or request for the child to perform an action.
B - Behavior
A behavior, or response from the child - successful performance, noncompliance, or no response.
C - Consequence
A consequence, defined as the reaction from the therapist, which can range from strong positive reinforcement (ie. a special treat, verbal praise)
APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS: COMMON QUESTIONS
by Richard Saffran
Applied Behavior Analysis has been rigorously tested and proven useful in reducing developmental delays in children with Autism or Asperger's syndrome. A parent who has found this intervention useful for his son answers some of the common question parents have. A list of the questions follows. Please scroll down the page to read the answer to a particular question.
What is an Applied Behavior Analysis program?
What kind of progress can I expect?
I want my child to learn naturally, not behaviorally. Applied behavior analysis looks so unnatural.
What about diet, vitamins, and other therapies to treat the underlying cause?
I've heard applied behavior analysis leads to rote, "robot-like" behavior.
I can't see my child spending all his time doing drills. Doesn't he need to go to school and play too?
Won't a mix of Applied Behavior Analysis and other good approaches work best for my child?
Is applied behavior analysis appropriate for older children?
Could placing so many demands on my child harm our relationship?
What is the role of a school aide in an Applied Behavior Analysis program?
Are there risks with applied behavior analysis?
I read that the "Lovaas method" is less than 50% effective.
What happens after Applied Behavior Analysis?
Can I teach my child myself?
APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS-
CHOOSING ABA THERAPISTS FOR YOUR CHILD
Applied Behavior Analysis is usually the most effective and rigorously tested intervention for the majority of children on the autism spectrum - unfortunately it is also very expensive and requires a high degree of skill and experience from the therapist to achieve the best results for your child.
An ABA therapist without the necessary expertise could cost you a lot and achieve little, or even worse, could set back your child's development in some areas. So it pays to make sure you are getting what you pay for!
CHECK THEIR CREDENTIALS
Any decent ABA therapist will be able to provide a detailed resume with their university training and work experience since then. They should also be able to supply references from several families they have worked for over a decent period of time.
ASK PLENTY OF QUESTIONS
Have they worked with children of the same age as your child? What form did those programs take? What sort of programs will they anticipate setting up for your child? Have they had experience in running these programs before? Remember that therapists will gradually learn how to run many types of programs over the years, so make sure this isn't the first time they've done this program unsupervised by a senior therapist. You will be handing over a sizeable amount of money for their services so you can interview them in detail!
PRETEND PLAY
This is a selection of notes from over two years of behavioral intervention sessions with a young child who ultimately recovered completely from Autism. It includes many curricula ("drill sheets"), therapists' notes, and parents' notes, covering (in part) his development from no pretend play skills all the way to fully independent, spontaneous, creative play.
The notes are by the parents, Megan and Jim Sumlin (pseudonyms), who feel strongly that this information should be freely available to all who might benefit from it. They ask only that these drills belong in the public domain, and are not to be claimed or copywritten by any person who is or will in the future be seeking monetary gain for wide distribution of same. Feel free to re-distribute this document, but please include this entire preface.
These notes are just one part of a comprehensive program guided by a behavior analyst; there were other parts of the total program, not included here, that were necessary to the child's development and eventual recovery. They are specific to one individual child. Use them as a resource to help you plan your child or student's curriculum. What works for one child will not work for all. While much of the material here addresses problems common to many or most children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, you will want to select carefully based on individual needs, learning style, and personality.
EXAMPLE OF APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS-
LISTENING TO A STORY
This is a selection of notes from over two years of behavioral intervention sessions with a young child who ultimately recovered completely from Autism. It includes many curricula ("drill sheets"), therapists' notes, and parents' notes, covering (in part) his development from no pretend play skills all the way to fully independent, spontaneous, creative play.
The notes are by the parents, Megan and Jim Sumlin (pseudonyms), who feel strongly that this information should be freely available to all who might benefit from it. They ask only that these drills belong in the public domain, and are not to be claimed or copywritten by any person who is or will in the future be seeking monetary gain for wide distribution of same. Feel free to re-distribute this document, but please include this entire preface.
These notes are just one part of a comprehensive program guided by a behavior analyst; there were other parts of the total program, not included here, that were necessary to the child's development and eventual recovery. They are specific to one individual child. Use them as a resource to help you plan your child or student's curriculum. What works for one child will not work for all. While much of the material here addresses problems common to many or most children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, you will want to select carefully based on individual needs, learning style, and personality.
EXAMPLE OF APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS-
LISTENING TO CONVERSATIONS
This is a selection of notes from over two years of behavioral intervention sessions with a young child who ultimately recovered completely from Autism. It includes many curricula ("drill sheets"), therapists' notes, and parents' notes, covering (in part) his development from no pretend play skills all the way to fully independent, spontaneous, creative play.
The notes are by the parents, Megan and Jim Sumlin (pseudonyms), who feel strongly that this information should be freely available to all who might benefit from it. They ask only that these drills belong in the public domain, and are not to be claimed or copywritten by any person who is or will in the future be seeking monetary gain for wide distribution of same. Feel free to re-distribute this document, but please include this entire preface.
These notes are just one part of a comprehensive program guided by a behavior analyst; there were other parts of the total program, not included here, that were necessary to the child's development and eventual recovery. They are specific to one individual child. Use them as a resource to help you plan your child or student's curriculum. What works for one child will not work for all. While much of the material here addresses problems common to many or most children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, you will want to select carefully based on individual needs, learning style, and personality.
EXAMPLE OF APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS-
PLAYING WITH OTHERS
This is a selection of notes from over two years of behavioral intervention sessions with a young child who ultimately recovered completely from Autism. It includes many curricula ("drill sheets"), therapists' notes, and parents' notes, covering (in part) his development from no pretend play skills all the way to fully independent, spontaneous, creative play.
The notes are by the parents, Megan and Jim Sumlin (pseudonyms), who feel strongly that this information should be freely available to all who might benefit from it. They ask only that these drills belong in the public domain, and are not to be claimed or copywritten by any person who is or will in the future be seeking monetary gain for wide distribution of same. Feel free to re-distribute this document, but please include this entire preface.
These notes are just one part of a comprehensive program guided by a behavior analyst; there were other parts of the total program, not included here, that were necessary to the child's development and eventual recovery. They are specific to one individual child. Use them as a resource to help you plan your child or student's curriculum. What works for one child will not work for all. While much of the material here addresses problems common to many or most children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, you will want to select carefully based on individual needs, learning style, and personality.
EXAMPLE OF APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS-
NARRATING IN PLAY WITH OTHERS
This is a selection of notes from over two years of behavioral intervention sessions with a young child who ultimately recovered completely from Autism. It includes many curricula ("drill sheets"), therapists' notes, and parents' notes, covering (in part) his development from no pretend play skills all the way to fully independent, spontaneous, creative play.
The notes are by the parents, Megan and Jim Sumlin (pseudonyms), who feel strongly that this information should be freely available to all who might benefit from it. They ask only that these drills belong in the public domain, and are not to be claimed or copywritten by any person who is or will in the future be seeking monetary gain for wide distribution of same. Feel free to re-distribute this document, but please include this entire preface.
These notes are just one part of a comprehensive program guided by a behavior analyst; there were other parts of the total program, not included here, that were necessary to the child's development and eventual recovery. They are specific to one individual child. Use them as a resource to help you plan your child or student's curriculum. What works for one child will not work for all. While much of the material here addresses problems common to many or most children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, you will want to select carefully based on individual needs, learning style, and
EXAMPLE OF APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS-
APPROPRIATE PLAY WITH OTHERS
This is a selection of notes from over two years of behavioral intervention sessions with a young child who ultimately recovered completely from Autism. It includes many curricula ("drill sheets"), therapists' notes, and parents' notes, covering (in part) his development from no pretend play skills all the way to fully independent, spontaneous, creative play.
The notes are by the parents, Megan and Jim Sumlin (pseudonyms), who feel strongly that this information should be freely available to all who might benefit from it. They ask only that these drills belong in the public domain, and are not to be claimed or copywritten by any person who is or will in the future be seeking monetary gain for wide distribution of same. Feel free to re-distribute this document, but please include this entire preface.
These notes are just one part of a comprehensive program guided by a behavior analyst; there were other parts of the total program, not included here, that were necessary to the child's development and eventual recovery. They are specific to one individual child. Use them as a resource to help you plan your child or student's curriculum. What works for one child will not work for all. While much of the material here addresses problems common to many or most children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder, you will want to select carefully based on individual needs, learning style, and personality.